Ok, perhaps the question should be - What should a middle school look like?
Well, this is what we know about middle school age students - they are in a transition from childhood to adolescence. One of the most obvious characteristic of this transformation is the increasing need for independence. It is also in middle years that life skills, and children's role as a citizen and community member, indeed their place in the human family becomes important. Finally, it is a time when they develop their self image and hone their learning skills.
So, based upon these characteristics of middle years students what should a good middle school look like?
- Students will also be offered choices and variety in learning experiences (in and out of school)
- Leadership opportunities will be offered to students in and out of the classroom
- Programming in the Arts will be evident.
- Finally, programming that enables students to make positive life choices in the following areas will be present:
~ Decision Making
~ Conflict Resolution
~ Drug/Alcohol Awareness
~ Healthy and active lifestyles